The traffic offense charges against the notorious mayor of the Bulgarian southern city of Sliven and former football star have been dismissed, an order of the Sofia City Prosecutor's Office from July 15 reveals.

On March 23, 2010, the Sliven Mayor was stopped by a traffic patrol in Sofia for exceeding the speed limit. According to the police officers, he failed to obey at first and the patrol car had to chase him. When he finally stopped, Lechkov threw his documents (ID and car registration) at them, made rude gestures, and sped off. The Mayor is adamant he had not seen the patrol car immediately, presented his documents when requested, and never insulted the traffic policemen.

The technical expertise of the videotape had not revealed any conclusive evidence for the accusations of the traffic patrol, and the Prosecutor's Office points out the fact Lechkov did not see the police at first is not a proof for a premeditated traffic offense.

The decision can be appealed within 7 days with the Sofia District Court.

Lechkov is generally regarded as one of the best players to come out of Bulgaria and was a key member of the squad which reached the semi-finals of the 1994 World Cup Finals.